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This nutritious chicken vegetable soup recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a healthy meal on cold days.
Classic Chicken Vegetable Soup is a comforting and familiar dish loved by many. With simple ingredients like carrots, onions, and parsley, this soup brings back childhood memories.
Enhanced with fresh herbs and zesty lemon, this soup is hearty, flavorful, and ideal for warming up on chilly days. It’s also kid-friendly, making it a great option for lunch.
Leftovers can be frozen for later use, providing a convenient meal option. This recipe, originally featured in one of our 21-day challenges, has quickly become a favorite among Prep Dish users.
There are endless possibilities for customizing this classic soup. While delicious on its own, it can also serve as a base for adding noodles, squash, sweet potatoes, or even creating matzo ball soup.
Classic Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 217.8kcal
- 2 medium yellow onions
- 6 carrots
- 4 celery stalks
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 bunch fresh parsley
- 1.5 # boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tsp salt divided
- 3/4 tsp black pepper divided
- 2 T olive oil
- 2 dried bay leaves
- 5 c chicken broth*
- 1 lemon
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Chop 2 medium yellow onions, 6 carrots and 4 celery stalks. Mince 3 garlic cloves and fresh parsley to equal 1/4c.
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Season 1.5# chicken thighs with ½tsp kosher salt and ¼tsp ground black pepper.
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Heat 2T olive oil in a large dutch oven or soup pot over high heat.
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Add the chicken thighs and cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown all over. About 15 minutes.
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Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
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Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrot to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium, and cook for about 10 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and just starting to get some color.
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Add the minced garlic, 2 bay leaves, and additional salt and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute.
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Add 5c chicken broth and nestle the chicken thighs back into the soup. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer for 15 minutes.
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Turn off the heat, remove the chicken thighs from the soup and shred the meat with 2 forks, then return to the pot.
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Stir in 1/4c minced parsley and juice of 1 lemon. Remove the bay leaves. Let cool, then store in the fridge for later in the week.
**Nutrition information is for 1 serving
Calories: 217.8kcal | Carbohydrates: 13.9g | Protein: 18.5g | Fat: 10.8g
Nutrition in Classic Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe
Classic Chicken Vegetable Soup is not only a comforting dish but also packed with nutrients. Some of the key vitamins and nutrients in this soup include:
- Onions: Rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate, and potassium.
- Carrots: High in fiber, vitamin A, vitamin K, potassium, and vitamin B6.
- Celery: Low in calories and a good source of vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin C, beta carotene, and antioxidants.
- Garlic: Known for reducing the risk of heart disease, high cholesterol, and certain cancers.
- Parsley: Packed with calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K, benefiting the immune system, bone health, and heart health.
- Chicken Thighs: A great source of protein, iron, zinc, selenium, and B vitamins.
- Lemon: High in vitamin C, aiding in fighting colds and promoting heart health.
Meal Prep with Chicken Vegetable Soup
This soup is perfect for meal prep, allowing for quick and easy weeknight dinners. Prepping ingredients like onions, carrots, and celery in advance can streamline the cooking process.
With pre-chopped veggies on hand, preparing this chicken vegetable soup becomes a breeze!
Difference Between Broth and Bone Broth
High-quality broth is essential for flavorful soups. Understanding the distinction between broth and bone broth is crucial.
Broth is made by simmering meat, vegetables, and seasonings for a shorter time, while bone broth involves simmering bones and optional vegetables for an extended period, extracting collagen and additional nutrients.
Bone broth is rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus, offering numerous health benefits. Incorporating bone broth into recipes enhances flavor and nutritional value.
Low Carb Chicken Vegetable Soup
While this recipe is not entirely low carb, it can be considered lower carb by reducing the amount of carrots or adding low-carb vegetables like green beans or kale.
For individuals following a low-carb diet, simple modifications can tailor this soup to fit dietary preferences.
Encouraging Picky Eaters
If serving this soup to picky children, consider deconstructing the dish by separating the ingredients on their plate. Pairing familiar foods with the soup can help introduce new flavors gradually.
Small adjustments can make this nutritious soup more appealing to selective eaters!
Pairing Options
For heartier meals, pair this chicken vegetable soup with bread or rice. Alternatively, serve alongside a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Options for enhancing this healthy soup abound!
More Healthy Soup Recipes
If you enjoy this chicken vegetable soup, explore our other nutritious soup recipes for additional meal options.
FAQ – Everything You Need to Know
Enhancing Vegetable Soup Flavor
Enhance vegetable soup flavor with a touch of lemon juice, fresh herbs, and spices.
Secret to a Good Soup
The key